System for automatically tracking a moving toy vehicle

ABSTRACT

A system is provided comprising an automatic toy tracking system adapted to track an infrared signal emitted by a remotely controlled toy vehicle. The tracking system has a series of infrared receivers and is adapted to pivot and rotate in response to the relative intensity of the infrared signal received by each receiver. When the tracking system has positively ascertained the location of the infrared emitter, the tracking system can be adapted to fire at least one projectile at the toy vehicle.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of toys; more specifically,the present invention is directed to a tracking system that is adaptedto track the motion of and fire toy projectiles at a remotely controlledtoy vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Remotely controlled toys are popular among children and can take a widevariety of forms. Toys that can be remotely moved about a play area arewell known in the prior art and include toy cars, trucks, tanks, trainsand helicopters, among other types of toy vehicles.

Moreover, toys are often equipped to fire a projectile in order tosimulate warfare and increase the enjoyment of playing with the toy.Toys equipped in such a manner typically require the user to activelyposition and fire the projectile in the direction of an intended target.

However, there has been a distinct lack of a toy projectile launcherthat is adapted to automatically track a remotely controlled vehicleand, once the location of the target vehicle is positively established,fire a projectile at the vehicle with the goal of disabling it.

Accordingly, there is a need for a toy that can track and fire aprojectile at a moving target.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a system for automatically tracking themotion of and firing a toy projectile at a moving target.

One aspect of the present invention provides a toy motion tracking kit,the kit including a movable toy which emits a signal pulse, and amovable tracking system separate from the movable toy. The movabletracking system includes at least one pair of signal receivers, each ofwhich includes a first directional receiver and a second directionalreceiver. Each pair of signal receivers defines a first directionpointing from the second directional receiver to the first directionalreceiver and a second direction pointing from the first directionalreceiver to the second directional receiver. The movable tracking systemalso includes a microprocessor programmed to direct the motion of themovable tracking system. For each pair of signal receivers, the signalpulse is adapted to activate the first directional receiver for a firstlength of time and to activate the second directional receiver for asecond length of time, and the microprocessor is adapted to record thefirst length of time and the second length of time. When the firstlength of time is greater than the second length of time by an amountgreater than a predetermined amount, the microprocessor is programmed todirect the movable tracking system to move in the first direction. Whenthe first length of time is less than the second length of time by anamount greater than the predetermined amount, the microprocessor isprogrammed to direct the movable tracking system to move in the seconddirection. When the first length of time is about equal to the secondlength of time, the microprocessor is programmed to direct the movabletracking system to be motionless in the first direction and in thesecond direction.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a movable trackingsystem for tracking the motion of a movable toy as described herein.

A further aspect of the present invention provides a movable toy adaptedto emit a signal pulse as described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described ingreater detail and will be better understood when read in conjunctionwith the following drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a graphical representation of an infrared signal beingreceived by infrared receivers in accordance with at least oneembodiment of the present tracking system;

FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of an analog infrared emitter circuit inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the present tracking system;

FIG. 3 is an assembled front perspective view of one embodiment of thepresent tracking system;

FIG. 4A is a partially disassembled front perspective view of theembodiment of FIG. 3;

FIG. 4B is a partially disassembled rear perspective view of theembodiment of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a rotation mechanism and a pivotmechanism in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6A is a front perspective view of a piston system in accordancewith the embodiment of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6B is a rear perspective view of the piston system of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6C is a partially disassembled front view of the piston system ofFIG. 6A;

FIG. 6D is a partially disassembled perspective view of the pistonsystem of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a valve seat in accordance with theembodiment of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8A is a front, partially disassembled perspective view of aprojectile system in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8B is a front perspective view of the projectile system of FIG. 8Aincluding a pawl yoke;

FIG. 8C is a rear, partially disassembled perspective view of theprojectile system of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 8D is a rear perspective view of the projectile system of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a support plate in accordance with theembodiment of FIG. 3;

FIG. 10A is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of aprojectile system in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 3;

FIG. 10B is a rear perspective view of the projectile system of FIG.10A; and

FIG. 10C is a partial enlarged view of the projectile system of FIG.10A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention provides a tracking system that is adapted totrack an infrared signal emitted by a toy vehicle, thereby tracking themotion of and locating the toy vehicle. In at least one embodiment, thetracking system is adapted to fire a projectile at the toy vehicle, oncethe toy vehicle has been tracked and located.

The toy vehicle can take a wide variety of forms including but notlimited to a helicopter, airplane, jeep, car, tank and truck among otherforms that will be readily appreciated. The toy vehicle is provided withan infrared emitter for emitting an infrared signal. In at least oneembodiment the infrared signal is emitted at a modulation frequency of38 kHz. The infrared signal includes a digital infrared pulse followedby a period of analog decay. The analog decay feature of the infraredsignal emitted can result in more accurate and precise tracking of thesignal by the tracking system. Without being bound by theory, it isbelieved that when the signal includes the added analog decay, the angleat which the signal impinges the various infrared receivers can be moreaccurately taken into account. Accordingly, including this analog decayfunction in the infrared signal emitted by the toy vehicle can result inbetter tracking performance by the tracking system.

In at least one embodiment, the present tracking system can take theform of a toy turret including a lower base that supports an upperprojectile launch mechanism. The turret is provided with a rotationmechanism adapted to rotate the launch mechanism about a vertical axisrelative to the base, which remains stationary and supports the launchmechanism on a flat surface. Further, a pivot mechanism is provided topivot the launch mechanism about a horizontal axis orthogonal to thevertical axis. The pivot mechanism and the rotation mechanism arecontrolled by way of motors that are actuated in response to the changein location of the infrared emitter. In this way, the turret isconfigured such that it can be automatically rotated about the verticalaxis and pivoted about the horizontal axis so as to track the source ofthe infrared signal (i.e.: the toy vehicle).

The present tracking system includes a signal processing system forreceiving and processing the infrared signal emitted by the toy vehicle.In at least one embodiment, the signal processing system includes aplurality of infrared receivers that are adapted to receive the infraredsignal emitted by the toy vehicle. In at least one embodiment, theplurality of infrared receivers includes one or more pairs of infraredreceivers, each pair including a first directional receiver and a seconddirectional receiver. Each pair of receivers defines a first directionpointing from the second directional receiver to the first directionalreceiver and a second direction pointing from the first directionalreceiver to the second directional receiver. Furthermore, each receiverdefines a line of sight normal to the receiver, such that the firstreceiver in each pair defines a first line of sight and the secondreceiver in the pair defines a second line of sight. In at least oneembodiment, for each pair of receivers, the dihedral angle between thefirst line of sight and the second line of sight is about 0 degrees,such that the first line of sight and the second line of sight define aplane of alignment. In at least one embodiment, the first and secondinfrared receivers in each pair are oriented such that the first line ofsight is oriented at an angle of from about 60 to about 120 degrees tothe second line of sight within the plane of alignment. In at least oneembodiment, the first and second infrared receivers in each pair areoriented such that the first line of sight is oriented at an angle ofabout 90 degrees to the second line of sight within the plane ofalignment.

In at least one embodiment, the signal processing system includes fourinfrared receivers: a first pair of infrared receivers oriented in afirst plane of alignment and a second pair of infrared receiversoriented in a second plane of alignment orthogonal to the first plane ofalignment. However, it will be apparent to the skilled person that thenumber and placement of infrared receivers can be varied, as long as thesensors have an unobstructed line of sight towards the toy vehicle, suchthat an infrared signal from the toy vehicle being tracked can bereceived and processed as described herein.

In at least one embodiment, the signal processing system is adapted toactuate the rotation mechanism and the pivot mechanism in response tothe intensity of the infrared signal received from the toy vehicle'semitter by each of the plurality of infrared receivers. The skilledperson will appreciate that the intensity of the infrared signal isrelated to the angle of incidence of the infrared signal on the infraredreceiver and the distance between the infrared receiver and the infraredemitter. Specifically, the closer to zero the angle of incidence is ofthe signal on the receiver, and the closer the receiver is to theemitter, the higher is the intensity of the infrared signal received bythe receiver. Therefore, the intensity of the infrared signal receivedcan be used to measure the position of the emitter relative to eachreceiver, and so to track the motion of the toy vehicle, as explained infurther detail below.

In at least one embodiment, the intensity of the signal received by eachinfrared receiver can be determined by measuring the length of time thereceiver is actively receiving the signal. As the initial pulse of thereceived infrared signal ends and the signal begins to decay, theintensity of the signal gradually decreases to a threshold level wherethe receiver is no longer active. The more intense the signal, thelonger the period of decay required to reach the threshold level atwhich the receiver is no longer active. Thus, a more intense receivedinfrared signal will activate the receiver for a longer time.

In at least one embodiment, the signal processing system includes aplurality of timers, each adapted to receive a digital signal from aninfrared receiver while the receiver is actively receiving the infraredsignal from the toy vehicle. The timer count is determined by the lengthof the digital signal sent from the receiver, which in turn correspondsto the intensity of the received infrared signal. Thus, a more intensereceived infrared signal will activate the receiver for a longer time,generating a longer digital signal from the infrared receiver to thetimer and thus a higher timer count.

Timers are well known in the art and will be readily selected by askilled person. For example, a microprocessor may be adapted for use asa timer, among other selections that will be readily apparent to theskilled person. In at least one embodiment, an example of suitablesoftware code used to program a microprocessor to function as a timer isprovided below:

while((((PINA & _BV(0)) == 0) || ((PINA & _BV(1)) == 0)) && (TCNT1 <1000)) //wait maximum ~8ms  {  if((PINA & _BV(0)) == 0)   {right_var++;} if((PINA & _BV(1)) == 0)   {left_var++;}  }where BV is bit value; and TCNT is a register in the microprocessor usedas a timer.

This software code instructs the microprocessor to record the times thata first infrared receiver, connected to pinAO, and a second infraredreceiver, connected to pinA1, are active, and to output correspondingtimer counts. The skilled person will understand that the timer countwill depend not only on the length of time the receiver is active butalso on the clock frequency of the microprocessor, and that the higherthe clock frequency, the greater the resolution of the output timercount will be. In this embodiment, the infrared receivers are ‘activelow’ as will be understood by the skilled person. The software code canbe readily adapted by the skilled artisan to apply to more than twoinfrared receivers.

In at least one embodiment, the microprocessor compares the intensity ofthe infrared signal received by each of a pair of infrared receivers bycomparing the timer counts generated from each receiver as describedabove. When the difference between the timer count of the first receiverand the timer count of the second receiver is higher than apredetermined threshold, a microprocessor is programmed to move thetracking system in a direction toward the infrared receiver which hasreceived the stronger infrared signal, thereby generating the highertimer count. As mentioned above, each pair of receivers defines a firstdirection pointing from the second directional receiver to the firstdirectional receiver and a second direction pointing from the firstdirectional receiver to the second directional receiver. Therefore, ifthe first directional receiver has received the stronger infrared signalso as to generate the higher timer count, the microprocessor will directthe tracking system to move in the first direction. Likewise, if thesecond directional receiver generates the higher timer count, themicroprocessor will direct the tracking system to move in the seconddirection. For example, if the plane of alignment of the pair ofinfrared receivers is oriented in a horizontal plane, such that thetracking mechanism is directed to move within the horizontal plane, thesignal will be sent so as to control the rotation mechanism to rotatethe launch mechanism about its vertical axis. Furthermore, if the planeof alignment of the pair of infrared receivers is oriented in a verticalplane, such that the tracking mechanism is directed to move within thevertical plane, the signal will be sent so as to control the pivotmechanism to pivot the launch mechanism about its horizontal axis. Whenthe tracking system has more than one pair of infrared receivers, itwill be clear to the skilled person that signals may be sent to bothrotation and pivot mechanisms so as to move the tracking system in bothhorizontal and vertical directions simultaneously and to quickly followthe motion of the toy vehicle emitting the infrared signal.

As will be understood by the skilled person, when the difference betweenthe signal intensities received by the two infrared receivers in eachpair of receivers falls below the predetermined threshold, the emitteron the toy vehicle will be approximately centred between the receivers.At this point the tracking system has located, or “locked” on, the toyvehicle and, in at least one embodiment, the tracking system can bedirected by the microprocessor to stop its motion and to fire aprojectile at the toy vehicle, as described below. It will be apparentthat other responses to such a “signal lock” are possible, including butnot limited to recording information about the toy vehicle's location,or sending a signal, including but not limited to an infrared signal ora radio signal, back to the toy vehicle.

In at least one embodiment, a rough gauge of the distance between thetracking device and the target can also be determined by taking theaverage measurement of the time counts generated by each of the infraredreceivers. As will be understood by the skilled person, the larger theaverage time count, the closer the infrared emitter is to the infraredreceivers. In this embodiment, the launch mechanism of the trackingsystem can be programmed to compensate for the distance of the toyvehicle by aiming the projectile at a point above the location of theemitter to account for the drop of the projectile over a longerdistance, as will be understood by the skilled person.

It is also contemplated that the tracking system may include predictivetargeting means, wherein the projectile is aimed at a point slightlyahead of where the toy vehicle is located. In this embodiment, softwareis provided that determines the vector in which the infrared emitter istravelling (i.e.: left, right, up or down) and moves the tracking systemin that direction before firing the projectile. Appropriate softwarecommands to achieve this goal will be readily prepared by the skilledperson.

In at least one embodiment, the launch mechanism is adapted to fire atleast one projectile. Projectiles can take a wide variety of formsincluding cylinders, missile or torpedo-shapes, bullet-shapes andspheres among other shapes of projectile. In at least one embodiment theprojectile is made of a soft material such as foam rubber, however othermaterials such as plastic are also contemplated. The projectile may belaunched by way of a spring or a piston system using compressed air, aswill be discussed in greater detail below.

Alternatively, in at least one embodiment, the tracking system can sendan infrared signal or a radio signal to the toy vehicle. According to atleast one such embodiment, the toy vehicle is adapted to recognize theinfrared signal as a hit and to respond appropriately, such as, forexample, by stopping its motion. In at least one such embodiment, thetoy vehicle can be equipped with an infrared or radio frequency detectorwhich detects the signal sent by the tracking system, as will beapparent to one skilled in the art.

It is envisioned that the toy vehicle can also be adapted to fireprojectiles at the tracking system, so as to increase the interest inplay. In at least one embodiment a piezoelectric hit detector isincluded on the tracking system. In standard applications, apiezoelectric speaker membrane is deformed when a voltage is applied toa piezoelectric crystal, creating a compression wave that in turngenerates sound. However, the inverse is also true: deforming thespeaker membrane (by way of an applied physical force) generates avoltage in the piezoelectric crystal. Therefore, a piezoelectric speakercan be mounted on the tracking system such that when the tracking systemis struck by a projectile, the resulting vibrations deform thepiezoelectric speaker membrane and cause the piezoelectric speaker togenerate a voltage. This voltage is monitored by a microprocessorprovided in the tracking system. Once this voltage passes apredetermined voltage threshold, a hit on the tracking system isregistered. As will be apparent to the skilled person, the trackingsystem can be programmed to respond to detecting one or more hits byshutting down or by firing a projectile back at the toy vehicle, forexample.

All components listed herein may be manufactured from any suitablematerial and by any suitable process, provided that the resultingcomponents are durable and functional when incorporated in the presentinvention as will be understood by the skilled person. In at least oneembodiment, components of the present invention are injection moldedfrom a durable plastic, although other materials and processes arereadily contemplated.

With reference to FIG. 1, in at least one embodiment the present toyvehicle emits an infrared signal 10 that comprises a pulse of length t₁followed by a period of decay of length t₂. For example, in at least oneembodiment, t₁ can be 3 ms and t₂ can be 3 ms. The decay of the signalis provided by way of an analog circuit, such as analog circuit 20illustrated in FIG. 2. In operation, when a pulse 21 of length t₁ isintroduced into analog circuit 20, capacitor 23 is charged. As capacitor23 discharges, transistor 25 regulates the voltage of the circuit suchthat a hybrid wave 27 is created, containing the digital pulse of lengtht₁ and the subsequent gradual decay of length t₂, arising from thedischarge of capacitor 23. This hybrid signal is then emitted frominfrared light emitting diode 29 on a 38 kHz carrier wave.

The conversion of the intensity of the signal received from the infraredemitter of the toy vehicle into a digital signal which can be sent to atimer is illustrated in FIG. 1. Signal 10 is received by first receiver32 at a higher intensity than the intensity at which second receiver 34receives the signal, as signal 10 is directly within the range of firstreceiver 32 yet only peripherally in the range of second receiver 34.Therefore, first receiver 32 receives the analog decay portion of thesignal for a longer time than does second receiver 34. Consequently, asexplained in detail above, the length of time that first receiver 32 isactive (t₃) is longer than the time that second receiver 34 is active(t₄). First receiver 32 therefore sends a longer digital signal oflength t₃ to a microprocessor (not shown), while second receiver 34sends a shorter digital signal of length t₄ to the microprocessor. In atleast one embodiment, infrared receivers 32, 34 are orientedorthogonally to each other, as seen in FIG. 1, such that the line ofsight 31 normal to receiver 32 is oriented at about 90 degrees to theline of sight 33 normal to receiver 34. In this way, the intensity ofthe infrared signal received by the first receiver is betterdistinguished from the intensity of the infrared signal received by thesecond receiver, to provide better precision of tracking. However, otherorientations are also contemplated.

With reference to FIGS. 3, 4A and 4B, at least one embodiment of atracking system 30 in the form of a turret is illustrated. Trackingsystem 30 has four infrared receivers 32, 34, 36, 38, a base 35 and alaunch mechanism 40. In at least one embodiment, launch mechanism 40includes a piston system 100 and a projectile system 200 having aplurality of projectiles 45. Movement of launch mechanism 40 relative tobase 35 can occur by means of rotation mechanism 50 and pivot mechanism60, so as to track the motion of the toy vehicle.

Launch mechanism 40 has a lower pedestal 42 that can be rotated aboutits vertical axis relative to base 35 by means of rotation mechanism 50,as can be seen in FIGS. 4A, 4B and 5. Rotation mechanism 50 consists ofa motor 51 driving a spur gear 52 that rotatably communicates with areduction gear train 53. Reduction gear train 53 is rotatably connectedto an internal spur gear 59 that is fixedly mounted within base 35. Inat least one embodiment reduction gear train 53 has a first largediameter spur gear 54 coaxially fixed to a first small diameter spurgear (not shown) that in turn rotatably communicates with a second largediameter spur gear 56. Spur gear 56 is coaxially fixed with a secondsmall diameter spur gear 57 that in turn rotatably communicates with athird large diameter spur gear 58 which then rotatably communicates withinternal spur gear 59. In this way and as will be understood by theskilled person, when motor 51 is actuated, spur gear 52 is rotated whichin turn rotates reduction gear train 53. As internal spur gear 59 isfixed within base 35, lower pedestal 42, which is fixedly attached tolaunch mechanism 40, will rotate relative to base 35, causing launchmechanism 40 to rotate about its vertical axis.

Lower pedestal 42 of launch mechanism 40 can also be pivoted about pivotpoint 47 relative to base 35 by means of pivot mechanism 60, as seen inFIGS. 3, 4A, 4B and 5. Pivot mechanism 60 includes a motor 61 having aspur gear 62 that rotatably communicates with a reduction gear train 63.Reduction gear train 63 is rotatably connected to a fixed spur gear 70that is operatively connected to launch mechanism 40.

In at least one embodiment, reduction gear train 63 has a first largediameter spur gear 64 coaxially fixed to a first small diameter spurgear 65 that in turn rotatably communicates with a second large diameterspur gear 66. Spur gear 66 is coaxially fixed with a second smalldiameter spur gear 67 that in turn rotatably communicates with a thirdlarge diameter spur gear 68 coaxially fixed with a third small diameterspur gear 69 that in turn rotatably communicates with fixed spur gear70. In this way and as will be understood by the skilled person, whenmotor 61 is actuated, spur gear 62 is rotated which in turn rotatesreduction gear train 63 so as to rotate fixed spur gear 70. Fixed spurgear 70 is operatively connected to launch mechanism 40, by any of avariety of means well known to the skilled person, so that rotation offixed spur gear 70 actuates pivotal movement of launch mechanism 40about pivot point 47, best seen in FIG. 3.

As shown in FIG. 5, in at least one embodiment motors 51 and 61 areelectrically powered by a series of batteries 49; however it iscontemplated that motors 51 and 61 could also be powered by other means,such as AC power. Motors 51 and 61 are controlled by the microprocessorof tracking system 30, so as to actuate rotation system 50 and pivotsystem 60 in response to infrared signal 10, as described above.

In at least one embodiment, projectiles can be launched from the presenttracking system by means of compressed air delivered by a piston system.With reference to FIGS. 6A to 6D, one embodiment of a piston system 100is illustrated. Piston system 100 has a motor 102 driving a spur gear104. In at least one embodiment, motor 102 is electrically powered bybatteries 49. Spur gear 104 is rotatably connected to a reduction geartrain 110. In at least one embodiment, the reduction gear train 110 hasa first large diameter spur gear 111 coaxially connected to a firstsmall diameter spur gear 112 which in turn rotatably engages a secondlarge diameter spur gear 113 coaxially fixed to a second small diameterspur gear 114 (best seen in FIG. 6B) which in turn rotatably engages athird large diameter spur gear 115 which is coaxially fixed to a thirdsmall diameter spur gear 116. As seen in FIGS. 6A and 6C, the individualgear elements of reduction gear train 110 are rotatably mounted on fixedaxles 138 that protrude from cylinder 130.

With reference to FIGS. 6C and 6D, in at least one embodiment, cylinder130 has a first outlet orifice 134, a second outlet orifice 136, apiston 120 and a valve seat 150. A longitudinal slot 144 is providedthat is adapted to receive a protruding guide 119 that protrudes frompiston 120. Piston 120 and valve seat 150 each translate verticallywithin the internal cylindrical space of cylinder 130.

Valve seat 150 is adapted to move between a first position wherein firstoutlet orifice 134 is blocked and a second position wherein secondoutlet orifice 136 is blocked (as shown in FIG. 6C). With reference toFIG. 7, at least one embodiment of a valve seat assembly is illustratedwherein valve seat 150 has a plurality of flow channels 152 that allowsecond outlet orifice 136 to fluidly communicate with the internalcylindrical space of cylinder 130 when valve seat 150 is in a firstposition (i.e. blocking first outlet orifice 134). In this way, aircompressed within cylinder 130 as described below can be directed toeither first outlet orifice 134 or second outlet orifice 136 dependingon the position of valve seat 150.

As seen in FIGS. 6A to 7, in at least one embodiment valve seat assemblyhas an angled push rod 154. Push rod 154 is operatively connected to ayoke 160. Yoke 160 is a vertically projecting element having ahorizontal channel 162 that is adapted to receive a pin 164. Pin 164 isfixed to a spur gear 166 at a position outwardly and radially removedfrom the rotational centre of spur gear 166. Spur gear 166 is inrotational communication with third small diameter spur gear 116 and iscoaxially aligned with, but not fixed to, second small diameter spurgear 114 and second large diameter spur gear 113, as seen in FIGS. 6Aand 6B.

In this way and as will be understood by the skilled person, when spurgear 166 is rotated, pin 164 is similarly translated in a circularpattern and yoke 160 is translated in a vertical direction. As yoke 160is connected to push rod 154, the vertical translation of yoke 160causes a corresponding vertical translation of push rod 154, so as totranslate valve seat 150 between its first position and its secondposition as described above. In this way, compressed air can bealternately diverted between first outlet orifice 134 and second outletorifice 136 depending on the rotational speed of spur gear 166.

Turning back to FIGS. 6A to 6D, air can be compressed within cylinder130 as follows. Piston 120 is biased towards the bottom end of cylinder130 by a coil spring 132. Piston 120 has a protruding guide 119 that isadapted to translate vertically within slot 144 of cylinder 130 asdiscussed above.

As shown in FIGS. 6B and 6D, third large diameter spur gear 115 iscoaxially fixed to an eccentric cam 118. Cam 118 is adapted to engageguide 119. As will be understood by the skilled person, when third largediameter spur gear 115 rotated, cam 118 is also rotated, which engagesguide 119, causing guide 119 (and piston 120) to be translated upwards,against the biasing force of spring 132.

As will be understood by the skilled person, as cam 118 is rotated,guide 119 will eventually be translated to the top of slot 144. At thesame time, piston 120 will be translated upwards to a point where spring132 is fully compressed. Eventually, as cam 118 is rotated slightlyfurther to a point were the extreme point 133 of cam 118 passes pastguide 119, guide 119 will no longer contact cam 118 and spring 132 willbe released to drive piston 120 downwards in cylinder 130. This downwardmovement of cylinder 130 will drive the air contained in the internalchamber of cylinder 130 out of either first outlet orifice 134 or secondoutlet orifice 136 depending on the position of valve seat 150 asdescribed in detail above.

With reference to FIGS. 8A to 8D, at least one embodiment of aprojectile system 200 is illustrated. Projectile system 200 includes atleast one projectile magazine 300, 400, a support plate 210, a pawl yoke220 and a large diameter spur gear 202. Large diameter spur gear 202 isin rotatable communication with third small diameter spur gear 116 (asseen in FIG. 4A) and is coaxially aligned with, but not fixed to, spurgear 166.

Support plate 210 provides a surface to mount the elements of projectilesystem 200 and fix them within the structure of the tracking system 30.Support plate 210 has a first orifice 211 and a second orifice 212 asseen in FIG. 9. First orifice 211 and second orifice 212 arerespectively connected in fluid communication with first outlet orifice134 and second outlet orifice 136. Flexible tubing (not shown) can beused to connect first orifice 211 and second orifice 212 with firstoutlet orifice 134 and second outlet orifice 136, among other selectionsthat will be readily apparent to the skilled person. In this waycompressed air can be directed from cylinder 130, through the action ofpiston 120, to first orifice 211 and second orifice 212.

With reference to FIG. 8C, projectile magazine 300 has a central axle302, a ratchet mechanism 304, an orifice ridge 306, a radiallyprotruding flange 308 and at least one hollow projectile nozzle 310.Projectile magazine 400 is constructed similarly and has a central axle402, a ratchet mechanism 404, an orifice ridge 406, a radiallyprotruding flange 408 and at least one hollow projectile nozzle 410, asshown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. In at least one embodiment, the individualparts of projectile magazine 300, 400 can be integrally formed. Inpractice, projectile magazines 300, 400 will generally have projectiles45 mounted on one or more of the provided projectile nozzles 310, 410,as seen in FIG. 4A. Central axle 302 rotatably mates with acorresponding hole 216 provided in plate 210 and the correspondingcentral axle 402 of projectile magazine 400 rotatably mates withcorresponding hole 218 provided in plate 210, as shown in FIG. 9.Projectile nozzles 310, 410 each have an axially extending central duct312, 412 (shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B). Orifice ridge 306 has at least oneorifice 320, each of which fluidly communicates with the central duct312 of a projectile nozzle 310. In this way, a fluid such as compressedair injected into orifice 320 will be transmitted through central duct312 and out projectile nozzle 310. As can be seen in FIG. 8D, firstorifice 211 of support plate 210 can align with the at least one orifice320, such that compressed air can be directed by way of first orifice211 through orifice 320 and central duct 312 of projectile nozzle 310.Similarly, second orifice 212 of support plate 210 can align with acorresponding orifice 420 in projectile magazine 400, which is in fluidcommunication with central duct 412 in projectile nozzle 410. It will beappreciated that as valve seat 150 is moved so as to direct compressedair alternately through first outlet orifice 134 and second outletorifice 136, the compressed air will be alternately directed througheither first orifice 211 and central duct 312, or through second orifice212 and central duct 412, respectively.

Spur gear 202 is coaxially fixed to a pawl crank 204 as can be seen inFIGS. 8A and 8D. Pawl crank 204 has an outwardly and radially extendingarm 206 having a pin 208. Pawl crank 204 projects through a hole 214provided in support plate 210 as seen in FIGS. 8A and 9.

As seen in FIGS. 8B and 8C, a pawl yoke 220 having a slot 222 alignswith plate 210. Pin 208 is adapted to engage slot 222 such that as pawlcrank 204 is rotated by spur gear 202, pawl yoke 220 is alternatelytranslated back and forth along the longitudinal axis of support plate210, in the direction of arrows A and B (FIG. 8C).

As seen in FIG. 8C, pawl yoke 220 has a first pawl 224 and a second pawl225 that are pivotably connected to pawl yoke 220. First pawl 224 isadapted to engage ratchet mechanism 304 in projectile magazine 300 andsecond pawl 225 is adapted to engage a corresponding ratchet mechanism404 in projectile magazine 400. As will be understood by the skilledperson, when pawl yoke 220 is translated to a first position (in thedirection of arrow A as seen in FIG. 8C), first pawl 224 engages tooth305 and pushes ratchet mechanism 304 so as to rotate projectile magazine300 by a predetermined amount. Alternatively, when pawl yoke 220 istranslated to a second position (in the direction of arrow B in FIG.8C), first pawl 224 moves back so as to engage the next tooth 305 ofratchet mechanism 304. As the projectile magazine 300 is rotated byfirst pawl 224, each orifice 320 of projectile magazine 300 aligns inturn with first orifice 211 provided in support plate 210, as seen inFIG. 8D. It will be appreciated that second pawl 225 is adapted toengage a corresponding ratchet mechanism 404 in projectile magazine 400,and operates in a similar fashion.

An alternative embodiment of projectile mechanism 200 is illustrated inFIGS. 10A to 10C. In at least this embodiment, projectile mechanism 200includes support plate 502 and projectile magazines 510, 520, bearingprojectile nozzles 512, 522 with central ducts 514, 524, which are influid communication with orifices 516, 526 (best seen in FIG. 10B). Asprojectile magazines 510, 520 are rotated, as described in furtherdetail below, each orifice 516, 526 is in turn brought into alignmentwith orifices 504, 506 in support plate 502. Orifices 504 and 506 are inturn in fluid communication with first outlet orifice 134 and secondoutlet orifice 136 respectively of piston system 100. Flexible tubing(not shown), among other selections that will be readily apparent to theskilled person, can be used to connect orifices 504 and 506 with firstoutlet orifice 134 and second outlet orifice 136, such that compressedair can be directed from cylinder 130, through the action of piston 120,to orifices 504 and 506 as described above.

Each projectile magazine 510, 520 also bears a plurality of notches 518,528, that are adapted to engage tip 531 of pawl arm 530. As best seen inFIG. 10C, pawl arm 530 has shoulder 532 biased to slidingly engageelliptical ridge 533 by the action of spring 534. Pawl arm 530 alsoincludes slot 535 adapted to slidingly receive pin 536, which iscoaxially fixed to spur gear 202. As pin 536 rotates, pawl arm 530 isrotated and shoulder 532 travels along elliptical ridge 533, such thatpawl arm 530 is translated radially as slot 535 slides along pin 536.When pawl arm 530 approaches approximate alignment with the major axisof the ellipse defined by elliptical ridge 533, tip 531 is extended dueto the bias of spring 534, such that tip 531 engages notch 518. As pawlarm 530 is further rotated, projectile magazine 510 is rotated by anamount sufficient to advance an orifice 516 into alignment with orifice504. As pin 534 rotates further such that pawl arm 530 is moved out ofapproximate alignment with the major axis of the ellipse defined byelliptical ridge 533, shoulder 532 slides along elliptical ridge 533,translating pawl arm radially against the bias of spring 534 anddisengaging tip 531 from notch 518. Further rotation eventually bringstip 531 into engagement with notch 528, such that orifices 526 ofprojectile magazine 520 can be advanced into alignment with orifice 506in a similar fashion.

In operation, projectiles 45 may be fired as follows. Motor 102 ofpiston system 100 is actuated by the microprocessor when the targetvehicle has been tracked and located, and a projectile should be fired.Spur gear 104 is rotated, in turn actuating reduction gear train 110 soas to rotate third large diameter spur gear 115 and third small diameterspur gear 116. Rotation of third large diameter spur gear 115 in turncauses rotation of cam 118, such that piston 120 is translatedvertically against the biasing force of spring 132. When cam 118 reachesthe end of its rotational travel, piston 120 is released, driving airfrom cylinder 130 through one of the provided outlet orifices 134 and136.

In addition, rotation of third small diameter spur gear 116 causesrotation of spur gear 166, in turn causing the oscillation of yoke 160,push rod 154 and valve seat 150, as described above. In response, valveseat 150 oscillates between a first position (wherein first outletorifice 134 is blocked) and a second position (wherein second outletorifice 136 is blocked). In this way, compressed air may be directedfrom cylinder 130 to either outlet orifice 134 or 136.

Furthermore, as third small diameter spur gear 116 is rotated, spur gear202 is in turn rotated, thereby causing projectile magazine 300, forexample, to rotate by a predetermined amount, as discussed above. At thesame time, a corresponding orifice 320 is brought into fluidcommunication with a first orifice 211 provided in support plate 210. Inthis way, orifice 320 (and by extension, projectile nozzle 310) isbrought in fluid communication with cylinder 130 such that compressedair can be directed from outlet orifice 134 or 136 of cylinder 130 toorifice 211 and ejected out projectile nozzle 310. As will be understoodby the skilled person, this ejected compressed air will be sufficient toforcibly dislodge a lightweight projectile 45 that is mounted onprojectile nozzle 310 and fire the projectile 45 at the target toyvehicle. Launch of a projectile 45 from projectile magazine 400, 510 or520 can take place in an analogous manner.

It will be clear to the skilled person that when two projectilemagazines are present (for example, projectile magazines 300 and 400 orprojectile magazines 510 and 520), projectiles will be launchedalternately and sequentially from each projectile magazine. Launch ofprojectiles can continue until the microprocessor directs the trackingsystem to cease operation. This can happen, for example, when the targettoy vehicle is hit by a projectile, such that the infrared signalemitted by the toy vehicle is no longer received by the infraredreceivers of the tracking system, or when the projectile magazines areexhausted of projectiles.

The skilled person will select gear ratios for the aforementionedreduction gear trains such that the timing of the internal mechanismsand systems of the turret are coordinated. For example, reduction geartrain 110, cam 118, spur gear 166, spur gear 202 will be selected suchthat compressed air is directed to the first projectile magazine whenthe central duct of a projectile nozzle is aligned so as to receive thecompressed air, and compressed air will be directed to the secondprojectile magazine when the second projectile magazine is similarlyaligned.

The above-described embodiments of the present invention are meant to beillustrative of preferred embodiments of the present invention and arenot intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Variousmodifications, which would be readily apparent to one skilled in theart, are intended to be within the scope of the present invention. Theonly limitations to the scope of the present invention are set out inthe following appended claims.

1. A toy motion tracking kit, the kit comprising: a movable toy, the toybeing adapted to emit a signal pulse; and a movable tracking systemseparate from the movable toy, said movable tracking system comprising:at least one pair of signal receivers, wherein each of the at least onepair of signal receivers comprises a first directional receiver and asecond directional receiver, and wherein each of the at least one pairof signal receivers defines a first direction pointing from the seconddirectional receiver to the first directional receiver and a seconddirection pointing from the first directional receiver to the seconddirectional receiver; and a microprocessor programmed to direct themotion of the movable tracking system; wherein, for each of the at leastone pair of signal receivers, the signal pulse is adapted to activatethe first directional receiver for a first length of time and toactivate the second directional receiver for a second length of time,and the microprocessor is adapted to record the first length of time andthe second length of time; and wherein, for each of the at least onepair of signal receivers: when the first length of time is greater thanthe second length of time by an amount greater than a predeterminedamount, the microprocessor is programmed to direct the movable trackingsystem to move in the first direction; when the first length of time isless than the second length of time by an amount greater than thepredetermined amount, the microprocessor is programmed to direct themovable tracking system to move in the second direction; and when thefirst length of time is about equal to the second length of time, themicroprocessor is programmed to direct the movable tracking system to bemotionless in the first direction and in the second direction.
 2. Thetoy motion tracking kit of claim 1 wherein the signal pulse is aninfrared signal pulse.
 3. The toy motion tracking kit of claim 2 whereinthe infrared signal pulse is emitted at a modulation frequency of 38kHz.
 4. The toy motion tracking kit of claim 1 wherein the signal pulsecomprises a period of analog decay.
 5. The toy motion tracking kit ofclaim 1 further comprising a projectile launch system, wherein themicroprocessor is programmed to direct the projectile launch system tolaunch a projectile when the first length of time is about equal to thesecond length of time for each of the at least one pair of signalreceivers.
 6. The toy motion tracking kit of claim 1 wherein each of theat least one pair of signal receivers is oriented in a plane ofalignment comprising a first line of sight normal to the firstdirectional receiver and a second line of sight normal to the seconddirectional receiver, such that the first line of sight and the secondline of sight describe a dihedral angle of about 0 degrees.
 7. The toymotion tracking kit of claim 6 wherein, for each of the at least onepair of signal receivers, the first directional receiver is oriented atan angle of between 60 degrees and 120 degrees to the second directionalreceiver within the plane of alignment.
 8. The toy motion tracking kitof claim 7 wherein, for each of the at least one pair of signalreceivers, the first directional receiver is oriented at an angle ofabout 90 degrees to the second directional receiver within the plane ofalignment.
 9. The toy motion tracking kit of claim 6 wherein saidmovable tracking system comprises a first pair of signal receiversdefining a first plane of alignment and a second pair of signalreceivers defining a second plane of alignment.
 10. The toy motiontracking kit of claim 9 wherein the first plane of alignment is orientedorthogonally to the second plane of alignment.
 11. The toy motiontracking kit of claim 1 wherein said movable toy is a toy vehicle. 12.The toy motion tracking kit of claim 11 wherein said toy vehicle is atoy helicopter.
 13. A movable tracking system for tracking the motion ofa movable toy, the movable toy being adapted to emit a signal pulse, themovable tracking system comprising: at least one pair of signalreceivers, wherein each of the at least one pair of signal receiverscomprises a first directional receiver and a second directionalreceiver, and wherein each of the at least one pair of signal receiversdefines a first direction pointing from the second directional receiverto the first directional receiver and a second direction pointing fromthe first directional receiver to the second directional receiver; and amicroprocessor programmed to direct the motion of the movable trackingsystem; wherein, for each of the at least one pair of signal receivers,the first directional receiver is adapted to be activated by the signalpulse for a first length of time and the second directional receiver isadapted to be activated by the signal pulse for a second length of time,and the microprocessor is adapted to record the first length of time andthe second length of time; and wherein, for each of the at least onepair of signal receivers: when the first length of time is greater thanthe second length of time by an amount greater than a predeterminedamount, the microprocessor is programmed to direct the movable trackingsystem to move in the first direction; when the first length of time isless than the second length of time by an amount greater than thepredetermined amount, the microprocessor is programmed to direct themovable tracking system to move in the second direction; and when thefirst length of time is about equal to the second length of time, themicroprocessor is programmed to direct the movable tracking system to bemotionless in the first direction and in the second direction.
 14. Amovable toy capable of motion trackable by a movable tracking systemhaving at least one pair of signal receivers, each of the at least onepair of signal receivers comprising a first directional receiver and asecond directional receiver, wherein the movable toy is adapted to emita signal pulse adapted to activate the first directional receiver for afirst length of time and to activate the second directional receiver fora second length of time.